Morton's Neuroma

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton's Neuroma is the most common neuroma in the foot. It occurs in the forefoot area (the ball of the foot) at the base of the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. "Intermetatarsal" describes its location - in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones (the bones extending from the toes to the midfoot).

A neuroma is a thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve as a result of compression or irritation of the nerve. Compression and irritation creates swelling of the nerve, which can eventually lead to permanent nerve damage.

Symptoms of a Morton's Neuroma

If you have a Morton's neuroma, you will probably have one or more of these symptoms:

Tingling, burning, or numbness

A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot, or your sock is bunched up

Pain that is relieved by removing your shoes

A Morton's Neuroma often develops gradually. At first the symptoms may occur only occasionally, when wearing narrower shoes or performing certain activities. The symptoms may go away temporarily by massaging the foot or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities. Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks. The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.

What Causes a Neuroma?

Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common causes comes from wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box and overload pressure onto the forefoot. An injury or trauma to the forefoot may also lead to a neuroma

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.

If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be indicated.

Surgery is an option if all conservative treatments fail to resolve the neuroma. Foot Mechanics Podiatrists have excellent professional relationships with orthopaedic surgeons who are the best qualified health professionals to perform this surgery.

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